Robert was born to Alice and George Altes on October 20,1934 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Robert was one of eight children, being raised during the Great Depression. Following school, on August 8,1952, Robert (Bob) enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He did a four-year tour, traveling to San Diego, Oahu and the Kwajalein Island. His memories of Kwajalein were vivid all these years and evident in recent conversation.
In 1956 Robert separated from military to work in the civilian world. He worked in a variety of jobs. However, he did not find a passion for a career. So, in December of 1958 Robert re-enlisted in the Navy where he proudly served his country and received 5 good conduct medals during his Naval Career. Stationed at ports or Air Bases which included: San Diego, Marshall Islands, Hawaii, Naples, Glenview, Point Magu and Los Alamitos.
In 1961, while stationed at Glenview Naval Air Station in Illinois, Bob met and dated his future wife, Beverly Duffey. They were married in 1963. Together they enjoyed military life, while socializing with family and friends. They had two daughters, Katherine born in 1965 and Karen born in 1970.
Some of the couple’s best memories involved sport events that Bob (Bobby) participated in. Bobby had a natural athletic talent, despite his petite statue. He was only 5’5”, 135 pounds. As a pitcher, he threw a wicked drop-curve, in football, he ran swiftly like a gazelle and in basketball dodged, under towering players to assist or score points. For over seven decades, Bobby played some sort of sport and Beverly would attend all sporting events and cheered him on. His talents did not go un-noticed, when league officials voted and awarded Bobby the American Legion Wirt Memorial Award for “Most Valuable Player in the Evanston National Softball League.
Eventually, Bobby settled on just playing fast-pitch softball until he was 60 years old. At the age of 62, he made the switch to slow pitch softball and did not hang up his cleats until August of 2023 when he was 88.
After retiring from military service in 1974 at the age of 40, Bobby started a new career repairing televisions/microwaves. Then in 1989, after Beverly and him moved to Riverside County, he worked for the Moreno Valley School District as a Campus Supervisor. In 1997 Bob retired from the school district, only to concentrate on softball.
A loving, devoted husband and abiding father, we know the side of Bob as Dad. Always level-headed and not quick to judge. He inspired us to be the best people we could be. Dad never discouraged us and always allowed us to reach for the stars without any parental pressure regarding grades or school achievements. Anything was possible in our world with Dad navigating our ship. His inspiration and kindness were a constant in our lives.
Robert is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly and his daughters: Katherine (her husband Jerald) and Karen (and her husband Dominic). Also, Robert is survived by his granddaughters Ashley (and her husband John) and Alexis, along with sister-in-law Patricia.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert's memory may be made to USO , In Honor of Retired Chief Petty Officer, Robert Altes, United States Navy.
DONATIONS may be made to: uso.org/donate/donate-in-honor/.
Donors can list their info and then "click below in the box" that says
In Memory of: YNC, Robert L. Altes, U.S. Navy
Tribute cards sent to: Mrs. Beverly Altes, 29322 Warmsprings DR, Menifee, CA 92584
